Showdown Cornhole Tournament

Third annual event returns to Sunken Gardens Sept. 22

The third annual Atascadero Kiwanis and Knights of Columbus Showdown Cornhole tournament will take place on Saturday, Sept. 22 in Sunken Gardens. Last year’s tournament made the event the largest one of its kind on the Central Coast with 64 teams participating. Organizer Mike LoPicolo said that more than 100 teams are expected this year. “The Atascadero High School Greybots robotics team has been chosen to receive the proceeds from this year’s tournament,” LoPicolo said. “The Kiwanis and Knights chose the Greybots because a major focus of both clubs is to help the youth and youth programs in our community.” No more than 128 teams will be accepted into the tournament. Each team is made up for two people. The cost for each team to enter is an $80 donation. There will an eight-round round robin play for A and B bracket double elimination placements. The teams that place first through fourth will play in the A bracket for up to $2,000 in cash prizes and teams that finish in fifth through eighth will place in the B bracket for up to $1,000 in cash prizes. Check-in for the event begins at 8:30 a.m. and tossing begins at 10 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. “If you like to play cornhole, the tournament is a nine-game minimum, with over $3,000 in prize money with a sold-out event,” LoPicolo said. “There will be a Long Shot contest with $100 in prize money and an Air Mail Shoot Out for $100. Two Giant Jengas will be set up for anyone wishing to test their Jenga skills in a big way. A water balloon toss will also be part of the fun.” For those not playing in the tournament, there will be additional cornhole board set up for some cornhole fun. “You might even be able to get a chance to challenge the Greybots’ cornhole-playing robot,” LoPicolo said. “If you enjoy a good raffle with lots of great items, our North County Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program will also be there with items that we know that you’ll want.” Sponsors are also still being sought for this year’s tournament and there are two level of sponsorship: $100 or $200. For $100 you can get an 18-inch by 24-inch business sign posted at the court and for $200 you’ll also get a team and lunch. Last year’s tournament sold out, so if you’d like to get in this year’s event, have some fun, and help out some great programs, you can register at Atascadero Chamber of Commerce or online at Eventbrite.com, search “Showdown Cornhole.” If you have questions about the event, email LoPicolo at mklopic@msn.com.